The ADC primary shows democracy still works in Nigeria, National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, Senator David Mark, said on Wednesday. He stated that the party conducted a peaceful and credible presidential primary without crisis or division.
Mark spoke at the Congress Hall of Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, during the collation and declaration of the party’s presidential primary. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar emerged as the ADC presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.
According to the result announced at the event, Atiku defeated former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, and former banker, Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, in the contest.
The ADC primary shows democracy still works in Nigeria, Mark said while addressing party members after the declaration of results. He stressed that the exercise showed that political competition could thrive without violence or hostility.
“Atiku 1,846,370, Amaechi 504,117, Hayatudeen 177,120. Total votes cast in the election: 2,546,457. Total party membership for the election: 3,113,599,” the result read.
After the declaration, Mark presented the ADC flag to Atiku as the party’s presidential candidate.
The former Senate President said the primary was not only about choosing a candidate but also about showing Nigerians that internal democracy still works.
“Today is not just about announcing a presidential candidate. Today is also about proving a point to Nigeria and Nigerians.
“It is about proving that democracy can still work. Proving that political competition does not have to become political warfare. That a party can organise itself around principles instead of personalities,” Mark said.
He added that the event proved that Nigeria could still achieve a brighter future despite growing national concerns.
Mark said many Nigerians doubted the party’s ability to hold a peaceful and transparent primary election.
“Many people doubted us. Some dismissed us. Others predicted confusion, division, and even outright collapse.
“But you stood firm. You kept faith with the ADC. Today, because of your commitment, our party stands taller, stronger, and more united,” he said.
The ADC chairman also praised members of the Presidential Screening Committee and Presidential Primary Election Committee for conducting the exercise professionally and fairly.
“In the face of enormous pressure, logistical complexity, and intense national attention, they carried out their responsibilities with courage, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to fairness and transparency,” he said.
Mark said the conduct of the primary strengthened public confidence in the party and its democratic process.
“Their work has strengthened the credibility of this exercise and reinforced the confidence of our members and Nigerians in the integrity of the African Democratic Congress,” he stated.
He also praised Atiku, Amaechi, and Hayatu-Deen for participating in the contest. He described the exercise as proof of the party’s strong democratic culture.
“It is important to mention that we are the only political party to have three strong aspirants contest for the presidential ticket. This alone makes the ADC unique in its deep commitment to democracy and democratic practices,” Mark said.
The former Senate President added that the aspirants strengthened democracy by taking part in the primary despite pressure and tension surrounding the process.
“By subjecting themselves to this process, they did not merely contest an election. They strengthened democracy.
“And despite efforts in some quarters to create uncertainty and tension, they remained committed to this process and to the ideals of this party,” he added.
The ADC started its presidential primary on Monday, May 25, 2026, using the direct primary method after the three aspirants reportedly rejected calls to step down for a consensus candidate.
